The Three Rs is a primarily British viral entertainment site, with standings in many niche interests and involved in a variety of different groups. Topics range from gaming to adulthood to the latest fashion.
Well, I thought I'd post about the latest craze taking Myspace (And I suppose other social networking sites, which I reject to use.) by storm.
Usually Myspace crazes are like every other "Indie Sensation" (Per-leese.) or "Trains" (Apparently, I asked Scott for a Myspace craze and he responded with "Trains." He then went on to explain that he meant those annoying bulletin things "My cousin is dead, add her.") But this time it's different. This time I actually care about the craze.
(And Sorry to anyone who's just lost a cousin and found out that I deliberately went on the Three Rs and posted a personal jab at you. Wait, not "sorry". Get over it. Jeeze.)
"Just get on with the damn craze." Says the Generic reader of the Three Rs whose attention span is about 00:01:08 seconds long (Officially)
If anyone has had any sort of connection with controversial gaming culture within the past few years, you will have heard of the infamous Jack Thompson; a lawyer with an appalling record of launching attacks upon the industry - particularly Rockstar's creations.
This source (although the Thompson camp are yet to verify it) claims, however, that of recent our mutual fiend has defended Mass Effect - a game which has recently come under attack from FOX for the 'obscene sex' featured within. Whether or not Jack's worried about people taking his limelight, or just has a thing against FOX, this surely is a good sign for gaming.
Well, this is it. The last mobisode. But lets not be sad, all this means is that the episodes will be back next week! And this mobisode really sets up the new season in terms of bizarreness (Real word?) The aptly named "So it Begins" is a real treat for conspiracy nuts like me.
So It Begins
This week very surprising. Even more than the original Arzt mobisode or the Room 23 orientated mobisode. Because this week the main character is...
...VINCENT! And not to mention Christian Shepard!
Recap
Vincent is exploring the jungle, we follow his path from his point of view. After moving past a bag of luggage with clothes in it, he hears a whistle. After running around about to find the source of the whistle, her arrives at Christian Shephard. Christian calls the Labrador closer. He then tells Vincent to go wake up Jack, who is unconscious in the bamboo jungle behind Vincent. Christian then tells Vincent that he "has work to do". We then rewatch the opening moments of "Pilot, Part 1." Jack's eye opens as he awakens from the plane crash. Vincent approaches him, they look at each other; and Vincent trots off.
WTF MANN?!?!
Rant
Seriously, what the hell? In terms of "What" and "Why." The "what" alluding to What does this mean for Vincent and Christian and the "why" meaning Why would the writers put that in? You're just asking for ThEmIsFiTiShErE to make more pointless, unfunny posts. If this actually Christian and Vincent, not a Black Smoke-esque manifestation, then does that mean Christian gave Vincent the arm and keys in Trica Tanaka is Dead? And with a title like "So it Begins" does this mean Season 4 will have more Christian and Vincent scenes? Or is it alluding to the continuity of the show... or both.
Review
Mobisode Rating: 5/5 - Go out on bang! That's defiantly is the Lost mentality.
Yello! Season 2 and the last season review until the end of (half) season 4. Season 2 was the seasons of ups and downs. Going from excellent to plain wrong. And for those who want to know, I will not be plugging Lost Together, Blog Alon3 in this post.
Episodes
- Man of Science, Man of Faith
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - Desmond! Realtime Rating: 4/5 - I wonder what happens next... Episode Rating: 5/5 - Oh, it's Desmond. I didn't guess that.
- Adrift
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - WAAALLLLT! Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Wait a minute! I've already seen this. Episode Rating: 3/5 - Nice reusage of footage.
- Orientation -
Flashback Rating: 4/5 - Hey! It's Leela. And a good flashback. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - The introduction to Dharma is always a good thing. Episode Rating: 4/5 - A very rewatchable episode.
- Everybody Hates Hugo
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - The numbers are cursed, we get it. Realtime Rating: 3/5 - The numbers are cursed, we get it. Episode Rating: 2/5 - The numbers are cursed, we get it.
Note: I know we don't know if they actually cursed. Hurley thinks that...
- ...And Found
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Sun and Jin. 'Nuff said. Realtime Rating: 3/5 - [Sarcasm]Wow, a missing ring.[/Sarcasm] Episode Rating: 2/5 - A good amount of Eko saves the episode.
- Abandoned
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Yeah! She's dead! Now we don't have to watch her horrible flashbacks. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - Walt? Episode Rating: 2/5 - Cliffhanger.
- The Other 48 Days
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - Of course it gets 5, it encompasses all but... Realtime Rating: 3/5 - ...the last 2 seconds of the episode. Episode Rating: 2/5 - Cliffhanger. Again.
- Collision
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Ana-lucia sucks. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - The extra mark for Eko meeting Locke. Episode Rating: 1/5 - Wasn't this a Charlie episode?
- What Kate Did
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - What Kate did. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - Crazy... Episode Rating: 2/5 - I've just realised that the title of this episode alludes to Horse sex.
- The 23rd Psalm
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - A God-like flashback... Realtime Rating: 5/5 - ...with a god-like Realtime... Episode Rating: 5/5 - ...making a God-like episode.
- The Hunting Party
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - "Orrr, not another Jack episode." Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Others time. Episode Rating: 3/5 - Anti-climatic.
Flashback Rating: 4/5 - The worst flashback of the Eko Trilogy. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - Yeah! Good, weird dreams! Episode Rating: 4/5 - More Dharma!
- Three Minutes
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - Disappointed. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - Is it me or does this episode have different look to it? Episode Rating: 2/5 - Saved by the Cliffhanger.
So, it's 6-7 days until the return to the best show on TV ever. No, not Big Break. (But that comes pretty close to the best show ever.) I'm talking about Lost. And as I like to plug Lost Together, Blog Alon3, I thought I would review seasons one and two and simul-post them. ("Simul-post" Is a Dee4leeds Creation.)
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - Not really much of a Flashback. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - Sets the Standard Episode Rating: 5/5 - Good! ...but in retrospect to future episodes it's quite tame.
- Pilot, Part 2
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - Didn't I already see this? Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Just not as good as part 1. Episode Rating: 4/5 - Good! ...but a decline (A push, I know.)
- Tabula Rasa -
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - Sets the tone for most Kate Flashbacks Realtime Rating: 3/5 - Meh. Episode Rating: 3/5 - "Stick with it! It gets better."
- Walkabout
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - ZOMG. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - "What do we need?" "Knives, lots of Knives." Episode Rating: 3/5 - Most rewatchable episode of season 1?
- White Rabbit
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Die, Jack, Die. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - I'm happy Arzt took the mick out of him. Episode Rating: 1/5 - Hmm, the above line would be good for a plug...
- House of the Rising Sun
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Sun and Jin. 'Nuff said. Realtime Rating: 3/5 - Beach? Cave? How about the Barracks? Episode Rating: 2/5 - Typical Sun and Jin episode?
- The Moth
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - He's an addict, we get it. Realtime Rating: 3/5 - He's an addict, we get it. Episode Rating: 2/5 - He's an addict, we get it.
- Confidence Man
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - Con man with a conscience, then? Realtime Rating: 3/5 - Overshadowed by the flashback. Episode Rating: 4/5 - I wonder if Saywer will ever meet Sawyer...
- Solitary
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - So-So Realtime Rating: 5/5 - ZOMG, a French chick. Episode Rating: 4/5 - Golf FTW
- Raised by Another
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - At least it was eye-candy. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - Lost officially arrives. Episode Rating: 4/5 - An unlikely personal favourite.
- All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Went no where with no relevance. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Fighting. Episode Rating: 4/5 - Hanging.
- Whatever the Case May Be
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - ...sigh. Realtime Rating: 2/5 - Just open the damn briefcase. Episode Rating: 3/5 - I never... liked this episode.
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - Middle of the Road. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Polar Bears Episode Rating: 4/5 - And knives... jizztastic.
- Homecoming
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - Another pointless Charlie Flashback. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - Ethan's back baby! Episode Rating: 1/5 - Ethan's dead baby!
- Outlaws
Flashback Rating: 3/5 - Jack's dad... as usual. Realtime Rating: 3/5 - Not great, not crap. Episode Rating: 4/5 - Giles favourite?
- ...In Translation
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - ANOTHER Sun and Jin Flashback. Realtime Rating: 4/5 - ANOTHER Sun and Jin Realtime. Episode Rating: 3/5 - ANOTHER Sun and Jin Episode.
- Numbers
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - The introduction to the numbers! Realtime Rating: 3/5 - Slight tangent maybe? Episode Rating: 4/5 - It's a Hurley episode Dude!
- Deus Ex Machina
Flashback Rating: 4/5 - The set up for a long flashback arc. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - Made ever so sweet by the Season 2 finale. Episode Rating: 4/5 - Most referenced episode ever?
- Do No Harm
Flashback Rating: 1/5 - Any more time to waste? Realtime Rating: 5/5 - EWWW! Episode Rating: 5/5 - I felt abit awkward watching this one.
Flashback Rating: 2/5 - To. Run. Born. Or something like that. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - The five is awarded for Arzt only. Episode Rating: 3/5 - Delaying much?
- Exodus: Part 1
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - Me likey. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - "What? It's a ship?" Episode Rating: 5/5 - Wow... just Wow.
- Exodus: Part 2 & 3
Flashback Rating: 5/5 - More of the same, which in this case is a good thing. Realtime Rating: 5/5 - "Where going to have to take the Boy." Episode Rating: 5/5 - That Cliffhanger.
Best and Worst
Best Episode: Exodus: Part 2 & 3 - Yeah it's abit of a sell out to chose a finale but it really was. Worst Episode: Hearts and Minds - Strongest case for filler episodes?
Best Moment: The Cliffhanger. Worst Moment: Most involving Jack in flashback form.
Season League Table
1st - Season 2 2nd - Season 3 3rd - Season 1
I'll post Season two before the Season 4 premiere! I promise. Scouts honour.
Artist: Jane's Addiction Album: Ritual de lo Habitual Genre: Alternative Metal/Rock Track Picks: Stop!, Been Caught Stealing, Then She Did
Tracklisting
Stop! - 4:15 No One's Leaving - 3:01 Ain't No Right - 3:34 Obvious - 5:55 Been Caught Stealing - 3:34 Three Days - 10:48 Then She Did - 8:18 Of Course - 7:02 Classic Girl - 5:08
For my first album review I thought sometimes its best to do an album review people would consider uncharacteristic, that way I can show my deviancies and differences in musical taste as a proper critic would. This first review should be a time when a strictly non-metal album is reviewed to appease n00bs who may not share my sonic likings.
Sorry, but this isn't one of those times, I'm doing a metal review and if anyone has a problem, well I thought of that too. Next week ANOTHER METAL ALB...alright I'll do a different genre, just because not all people are educated.
Right, though this is undoubtedly a metal album, its by no means a simple metal album, by that I mean one that people automatically assume is filled with aggressive guitar, pounding drums and pseudo-satanic lyrics.
Quite an inaccurate perception regarding Jane's Addiction, the metallic crunch of guitar is there, but with such a melodic,uplifting tone, the drums are subtle but integral and the lyrics, high-pitched, eerie yet suitably harmonious. This is indeed metal, but not as you know it.
This is music to listen to when you need empowerment, or already feel empowered, with such tracks as the uplifting roar of 'Stop!', the bouncy, folky college rock ballad 'Been Caught Stealing' thats got a dogbark you can nod your head to, and the majestic piano/guitar combination on 'Obvious' with its irresistibly infectious repetition of 'Yeah!'.
Though there are some longer cuts that perhaps aren't as easy listening such as 'Three Days', 'Then She Did' and 'Of Course' they can hardly be considered as filler and prove to be slowly unveiling rewards for the more patient listeners
At first listen the record does admittedly seem to be about as accessible as a house without a door, but with patience and appreciation, this is easily an odd but still recommended addition to anyone's musical library. Dreamy, floaty metal/rock/pop hybrid music at almost, its most impeccable
Rating: Four Out Of Five
NEXT WEEK: For all you indie nubs. Do You Like Rock Music - British Sea Power
Heres a sample of 'Been Caught Stealin'' the only one from the album I could find regrettably :(, alas enjoy.
An actual possible deleted scene this week (More so than usual.) I believe this is the penultimate mobisode before the actual show restarts, which is always good news. And we will be covering the series on both the Three Rs and Lost Together, Blog Alon3. So yeah, come here for all your Lost needs...
Again we have some decent pictures as again the HQ version of the mobisode was leaked.
The Envelope
This weeks its a...
Juliet and Ameila encounter.
The mobisode begins which Juliet burning her muffins (The same as how A Tale of Two Cites begins.) After scalding her hand, the doorbell rings. It is Amelia. (The old women from said Season 3 Premiere.) She helps Juliet, getting some ice for her hand, but realizes that something else is on Juliet's mind. She asks if it's Ben. Juliet replies that things have gotten awkward between her and Ben. Amelia asks if he finally told her how he felt, but Juliet says he didn't. She claims "things are complicated." (He's obviously pussy whipped!) After Amelia further presses Juliet about what is going on, Juliet hints that everyone are, somehow, in danger. Juliet then asks Amelia to keep quiet about something she is going to show her. Juliet pulls out an envelope from of the kitchen drawer, opens it. But before she can take anything out of it; the doorbell rings...
A Cliffhanger?
Mobisode Rating: 4/5 - Seriously, what an improvement!
Time for another story written by a 12 year old. This time the writer goes by the name of "Ste" or "Prodigy"...
A Day in the Life of a British Soldier
Baghdad 9.30pm
Things are not going well. We are under rapid fire from the Iraqis. The noise is deafening, an ear-piercing combination of the bata-bata of heavy artillery guns and the whistle of falling bombs. The nauseating fumes of the flaming carnage are almost intolerable. This cesspet is enough to drive anybody to the brink of insanity. But I can't throw years of training out of the window because of fear. I can't.
11.15pm
The battle is still raging on. A fusillade of bombs are raining down onto us. Morphine and first-aid supplies are running dangerously low, as the number of wounded are increasing rapidly. The Iraqis are getting braver. They are now beginning to push forward into our territory. On top of this, sandstorms are frequently hitting us, causing all sorts of choas. Clogging up the gun barrels, blinding us and going in our mouths. It's a real horror
All I can think about are three things; going home, seeing my family and getting out of this hellhole. As I clutch their photograph, I know it's going to be a long time.
2:15am
The Bombing has finally died down. This is a relief because I'm absolutely exhausted. The long, strenuous days of the war are taking their toll on me. Most people think that soldiers are tough, hardened macho men with muscles the size of bowling balls. Those people don't know how wrong they are, I'm quaking in my boots.
The End
Damn, that really made mine look like a retard wrote it. Erm... more so.
No longer will thethreers.co.uk be the "Be All and End All" of Three Rs related matters. Basically specialised sections of the Three Rs are getting their own identity. Posts relating to subjects such as Lost and Music will now be on their own spin off websites. That's not to say you can't come to thethreers.co.uk for your Lost, Music etc. needs. Most posts will be availble on thethreers.co.uk, some post will be availble exclusively on their respected website.
Here's an example of it's use...
So maybe you are fan of Dee4leeds' almighty Lost review/rant/recap hybrid posts and only come to the website for them. Instead of coming to thethreers.co.uk and getting swamped under various other posts, possibly about types of cheeses or the latest remix by Mr. Oizo, you can go to Lost Together, Blog Alon3 to find only Lost related posts. Which is easy for you (and us to track everything...) Other spin-offs websites may or may not come in the near future but until then enjoy the wonders of change.
Back in the days of 2003 I was starting High school. For some bizarre, of which I still don't know why, I was placed in the top set for English. I know, you're thinking "You? Highest Level? I've read you write, it not make sense much." For a homework we was given the task of writing either a "Myth & Legend", "Hold the Front Page", "A Day in the Life Of...", or a "Short Story." We all groaned, probably I can't really remember, but we was then told that the best of the lot would be in a book. Therefore making us a published author. OK, that was an incentive.
"I know! I'll do some gritty drama about a Fate trapped in a "Symbol," or a some retarded story about the Loch Ness Monster. I thought "I wonder how many times I can fit 'Dee' into this story?"
The teacher upon reading asked "Dietrich, did you write this?" To which I replied "Yes." Which, as you probably know, is either a really good thing or an outright bad thing. I didn't really care though, to be honest. I wrote the story in primary school, it was a Year 4 project. All I had in mind was, reusing work is recycling... or something to that effect. (Obviously.)
So gather around children because here, without further ado, is the story of stories. The prose of perfection. Some third usage of alliteration. Here is...
Philip D. Fry And the Clock of Time
In Dee Town, long ago, a boy with a 'danger' red afro, was no ordinary boy; he's...Phillip D Fry!
On that day, Philip was looking for his lucky socks, when that second, a voice came up the stairs. "Bob's here." It was Mum. He stopped looking and ran towards the stairs. Then jumped on his skateboard and ollied onto the hand rail. Bob was standing at the door, he had a lime green afro. He said, "Phil, want to grab your skateboard and go to the skatepark?"
At the park, Bob and Phil were grabbing big 'air'. Phil, with all his might, grabbed the biggest air, but he didn't land in the park, instead he landed in the forest. As he landed, he pushed and pushed until the board was protecting him. He landed on his board, the slipped off, banging his head on the weirdest clock ever. On the door it said, Don't Open. Ignoring the warnings, he opened the clock.
Inside where horrible things, they jumped out and fired out in different directions. "Phillip, is that you? Philip?" "Yeah," Phil replied. "Time just seems to fly by looking for you." This statement shocked and confused him. Surely time couldn't fly. He said "What?" "Hello. Time just seems to speed up, but doesn't," Bob replied. "But that never happens." "Ignore it, it's an expression," Bob said sternly. Phil got up and they walked off together. Walking home, Phil thought that something had changed.
He was Right.
The End.
Please! Hold your applause, not because I wouldn't hear it, because it's just too good for any actions to justify it's obvious greatness. OK, the writing is just less than perfect at best but it has a nice quirk to it and as it's a true story, explaining why time flies. And yes that titular character is an obvious reference to Me... and also Phillip J. Fry of Futurama.
Next time on "Embarrassing Stories written at age 12": A Day in the Life of a British Solider.
Hmm, not much to number 11. The title sums up everything you will ever need to know about this mobisode. The title is "Jin Has a Temper-Tantrum On the Golf Course"
Also we have some decent pictures this week as the HQ version of the mobisode was leaked.
Jin, Hurley and Michael are playing golf. Jin needs to putt the ball to win. Despite all Jin's might, he misses. Hurley congratulates Michael on the win. Jin, however, reacts angrily at losing. He shouts and yells (in Korean,) as Hurley and Michael attempt to calm him down but to no avail. Jin lets out a great deal of anger, throwing his club in the process. He shouts that he is unhappy, he doesn't want to be pitied, nobody understands him, and he is tired of the handcuffs. As Michael and Hurley eventually leave, Jin sits on the grass. Sobbing to himself, repeating "I'm so alone."
JIN ANGRY? WOW!
Mobisode Rating: 0/5 - This isn't looking good for season 4.
Here it is, part 3. I was going to post this early but I completely forgot. Doesn't matter anyway. For the poor souls not in the know this is part 3 to these 2 posts: Part 1 and Part 2.
Now Part 3, how would I describe part 3? It would defiantly be using the term "Improvement" when compared to part 3. Part 2 had some big names in the gaming world but I would say part 3 has more iconic characters. Third-party characters FTW. (Overused 1337 term FTL)
Now then, this is Part 3.
Fox McCloud Nemesis: Andross Reason: Hmm, Fox ay? Well I never choose him in the earlier ones. But then again I always choose Samaus because she has a big gun. (Plus robot suit boobs)
Rayman Nemesis: Rabbids Reason: Old timey Rayman takes on new boys Rabbids which have already become more popular then he ever was. Maybe Rayman wasn't such a good character after all. Maybe it was his annoying Sonic-esque voice, either way the Rabbids are much cooler then him. (Because they are uncool, and that's what makes it cool.)
Viewtiful Joe Nemesis: Alastor Reason: "Who's Viewtiful Joe?" says Oddy. Well Viewtiful Joe is a sleeper hit iconic matrix powered esque character back in the Gamecube days, but became more popular on the PS2 via the old forgotten art of "Porting."
Link Nemesis: Ganondorf Reason: "Great games for Girls, only on Nintendo DS"
Banjo and Kazooie Nemesis: The Witch Reason: N64 Legends! How these haven't been on Smash Bros yet is beyond Dee. Take note Nintendo.
Master Chief Nemesis: Some sort of Elite, a Brute maybe. I know! Evil Arbiter aka Evilbiter! Halo 4 storyline much? Reason: Yeah of course John-117 was going to be on the list, what's a Smash brothers list without the Master Chief? An official list, probably. If Microsoft and Nintendo were smart they would make a "Master Chief vs. Samas Aran" game. But no, they don't want to be seen as helping other rivals. Bollocks to me.
Lou the Devil Nemesis: God of Rock Reason: Probably the newest of all the characters in any of our lists. And we know Lou won't be appearing in any other parts of the Guitar Hero series, but I wanted a homage to Guitar Hero in this list. As for the God of Rock it'll be nice to see him on a next-gen console which isn't a glorified version of it's predecessor. (Yeah, I went there.)
Crash Bandicoot Nemesis: Doctor Neo Cortex Reason: Maybe having him on this would drag back an ounce of credibility. Akin to the "3: Warped" days.
Worms Nemesis: Hogs of War Reason: Hmm, I'm still not convinced Worms should be the main character and the Hogs of War being the nemesis. I mean come on, Rik Mayall did the voices of the Hogs. Rik-fucking-Mayall! The Hogs are therefore made of win.
And Finally...
Shigeru Miyamoto Nemesis: The Microsoft/Sony equivalent. Reason: Why not? He be crap, but it would be fun and would be his crowning moment. Was I the only annoyed he wasn't in Mario Galaxy?
I guess that's your, mine, our lot. Let's just hope Nintendo read this and have a bottom-less pocket for the Master Chief.
This is a crossover rant. It deals with new-to-light, personal subjects of my own (as often seen on Angsty Me), but also provides an interesting discussion point for The Three Rs.
This stems from my recent courting activities. Normally, when meeting new people directly from the Internet, it is some sort of polite, unwritten tradition that you request their MSN (Oh come on, who uses AIM any more!?) address prior to initiating any further conversation. Normally this is due to the impression that we will talk more with the specific individual over contact-based IMs than otherwise. Perhaps I have confused you already? Well let me give you a real-life example or two: If I am talking to someone over MySpace (through, for instance, comments or messages) for a while, I will choose to take the way of MSN with the hidden theory that I will be able to talk to them more. A similar scheme applies to fellow online gamers. Out of natural habit, I have all of my ex-guildmates' contacts in my IM groups. Even after quitting the game I had the idea that I would still wish to stay in contact with the majority and talk on a regular basis. That's gone right out the window.
The truth is, boys and girls; we're 12 no longer. The days of experiencing the joys of 'A/S/L!?' are over, my friends. The simple satisfaction of one-line conversations; attempting to find out as much about the other person (a stranger! Gasp!) as possible through a childish version of 'I Never' without the dirty parts are over. They don't fascinate us any more. Even if we add someone we know to be potential from say, MySpace, initiating the same old 'Hi, how are you?' and knowing you'll receive 'fine thnx, u?' does not contain the thrill it once did. The truth of the matter is, people our age are bored with that sort of contact.
That's right, comrades. I think it's safe to write MSN off as a dead idea. Sure, we keep in touch with friends we're close with online using it... do we? Personally, if I ever wish to organise going out with my close (and even not-so-close) companions I simply text them asking for ideas. It's a way I know I'll be able to get hold of them, and it works. That's it. Any questions?
So what happens when we wish to meet new friends on the Internet, or expand relations with people we already-sorta-know via way of others?
We find alternatives.
There's a vast world out there of Internet communications services. Which, may I add, remain free. Skype, Stickam, and other programs beginning with 'S'. These are new and easier ways to develop contacts with new people which, I personally find, are preferable to IMs in general. I'm done with my days of having to type out responses to stock questions from strangers. I want to see them, I want to hear them. What's the point in gaining my 'addy' from MySpace when our communication will only go downhill from that high?
You know what I'm saying; On MySpace I exchange messages with people. We each write lines and lines worth of material per time about original subjects. But upon adding one another to MSN, we resort to acting like 10 year-olds again and conversation slips down a few notches to 'hi, how are you?'. As if the messaging one another had some sort of sacred, hidden novelty, but we can't be arsed typing over IMs to yet another stranger. Even if its the same person you were experiencing great thymes with over your local social networking site.
"But MSN is more like a real conversation," I hear you cry!
Wrong.
Granted, you can (if you really, really try) have a nice, lengthy, in-depth discussion with someone via MSN. But why do that when there's other routes of contact, like phone calls, texting or the programs I even mentioned above? Because it's 'free'? Do you see me using onboard sound compared to the quality of a soundcard installed on my computer just because the former is free? If people our age are willing to take up conversation with you beyond the first point of contact (whether it be MySpace, Warcraft or a generic chatroom), they should be willing to take it further too to extend that experience. Not just sit idly by as 'just another person' on my address book. Can you simply 'close a window', 'block a contact' or just say 'fine thnx' in a 'real conversation'? Didn't think so.
I get funny looks when I openly proclaim I hand out my number to people like its nobodies' business. Sorry kids; but the times of paedophiles lurking around the Internet are long gone. I'd rather have someone text me with amusing anecdotes and refreshing conversation (which is more than three bloody words) whenever I'm out and about than, say, have them engage in some zombified 'discussion' with me on MSN; Something I've done a million times before when I was bloody prepubescent.
MSN is older and less fun than my grandparents for Christ's sake. So why don't we just leave it to the kids?
Yes, as avid fans may well have noticed; I haven't done a run-down of every four episodes or so for this season. That's simply because I was watching up to eight hours of Lost a night, and it was an impossible task for The Three Rs to keep up with that pace. So I present to you the season overview (hey, that rhymes!).
The Pros:
I loved the second half of this season. The theme goes from ambiguous plot holes and character introductions (as was in the first series) to downright wonderful drama and answering questions. I must admit, I did get exceedingly bored at the first fifteen or so hours of watching, but after that, it's just one great episode after another. The real dramatic moments are beginning to shine through now. One or two moments which stick out in particular are Hurley and Jack on Libby's deathbed - the way the good doctor is fighting back the tears and Jabba is desperately seeking for hope in Libby's heroin-pumped eyes. Or the reaction of the Three Musketeers (Jack, Sawyer and Kate) when they're stood in the forest, shortly after killing an Other and Michael reveals that he betrayed them all along; Sawyer's face is a picture. Of course the great thing about the lead up to this season's finale is how the separate plotlines seemingly crossover with one another. From the Musketeers (really a fitting name considering how trigger-happy they are) finding the spot where the DHARMA messages are sent (from the Pearl) and being ambushed there (after Locke sent a message down the said pipe earlier on), to the very end of the series, where Desmond initiates the fail-safe in the spectacular climax which interlinks all on The Island. No matter what Dee says; at least now separate arcs are starting to intertwine with one another with relevance to make a great and well-written story. Favourite characters of this series? I enjoyed all the major cast - from the love triangle of the Musketeers to Desmond's strange outlook on The Island's situation (one which is eventually proved right), to Eko's mere presence and accent. Sun and Jin really shined, however, with their (albeit irrelevant) passionate backstory.
The Cons:
Charlie and Michael. Charlie's constant 'battle' with heroin was a small and pointless event which went no-where in the long run. The purpose of such an event, in my eyes, was the simple fact that Claire would be given an excuse to outcast him from involvement with her and Aaron. But this is put right at the very end of the season anyway, so why do the writers insist on bringing up something which was addressed (and, may I add, overcome) in the first series? Michael's pointless killing of Ana-Lucia (one of the last remaining beacons of eye candy following the death of Shannon - ironically because Ana murdered her) and Libby does nothing but to make him appear the utter arsehole and eventually lead to - quite obviously - him being written out of the show. The end. Surely he could of convinced the Musketeers (plus Hurley?) to accompany him back to the Others without that needless fuss? Furthermore, Shannon's death also appeared to be rather... anti-climatic. Sayid does not respond as passionately as expected (he only took his anger out on 'Henry'; but this fails to induce any character development or plot advancement in the long term) and Ana-Lucia is needlessly ostracised from the other survivors. Something which doesn't matter either; as she's shot later on.
It makes me wonder why the creators go to the lengths of creating hours upon hours of flashback material for people who are simply gotten rid of anyway with no long-lasting consequences for the rest of the survivors.
Only time will tell.
Overall season rating? 3/5 from Mel. Plot development and the uncovering (sometimes literally) of the mysteries within The Island make up for the appalling, pointless bodycount.
So yes. More Lost-fanboyism (Or is it?). It's spoilers-galore, but if you haven't already watched the season, why do you want to read my bloody opinion on it!?
The Pros:
Great character introductions. Namely Jack, Kate, Sawyer and Locke. I was also impressed about how much the series just gets... stuck in. I mean, we basically meet the Smoke Monster in the first episode (rumble in the jungle, much?). There is never a part in the series where I can specifically say 'the acting was bad that episode'. Throughout the standard of characterisation by the cast has been wonderful and really added to the experience. Season one really is able to quickly develop the idea that Lost is so much more than a bunch of people stranded on a desert island, but also they're brought there by fate to discover the Island's mysteries. Diverse characters with great backstories really make each episode worth watching. Some great plot twists (Locke's legs, Sawyer's scandals) really develop the atmosphere which would continue for years to come.
The Cons:
Nothing is given away about The Island. The Hatch is blown at the end of the finale, but the audience was still left thinking 'quoi?' (as Danielle would say). There are about a million story arcs involving Claire's baby, (Rousseau and Ethan both nicked off with him) but none of these events actually lead anywhere. Sure, it adds a bit of a character development for Charlie in the case of the shooting of Ethan, but when Danielle kidnaps Aaron, he is returned to the Lostaways with zero repercussions for her. It seems to me that the entire point of that little activity was to highlight Rousseau missing Alex (something we already know - because isn't that the entire reason she tortured Sayid?). The series is littered with small, pointless, melodramatic events such as the above which get the viewer no where closer into discovering the secrets of The Island. However, this time-wasting seems to be fully rectified in Season Two. Thank God.
Overall season rating? 2/5 from Mel. That's right; the creators seemed Hell-bent on giving characters backstory rather than actual action which means the audience is still at a loss, even come episode 25.
The (tropical) decline continues this week, as yet another mobisode fails to live up to Lost standards, maybe not even Heroes standard. Which is quite odd as it turns out this mobisode was written by the basic head honcho Damon Lindelof.
Well just a few more weeks and we'll see actual episodes, even though it'll only be 8 episodes. At least the latest "ARG" Find 815 is throwing up some OK time wasting moments. (But is it even cannon? Or is it just ABC making up as they go along. Hmm ABC bashing? Well that ruins the chances of this post appearing on their website.) And add on top of that the Lost video game is not even coming out for the Wii. The only, according to EA, next gen console out there and the largest gaming platform...ever. (That's not like Disney at all. Surely there's a cheap buck to be made from an even cheaper port.) Anyway to the actual point of this post: the mobisode.
This weeks title is the quite original: Jack, Meet Ethan. Ethan? Jack. Any guesses on who it's about?
It's unoriginally Jack and Ethan.
Jack is in the beach camp. He is looking through suitcases to find medicine. Trusty-old writer call back Ethan walks up and shows him that he found a suitcase full of medicine in the jungle. Ethan introduces himself to Jack, then thanks him for taking the initiative to collect the medicine, since most of the other survivors still think they will be rescued. Ethan points out a (Clearly not Claire) pregnant Claire, and suggests that they both know that Jack will have to deliver the baby on the Island. Jack suggests that if Claire does go into labor, Ethan could be an assistant, to which Ethan looks concerned. Ethan begins to leave, hesitates and makes an awkward comment to Jack about losing his wife and baby in childbirth. Ethan then quickly rounds up the conversation, remarking that he hopes the rescue boats are coming, to which Jack agrees. Ethan leaves.
DECLINE MUCH?
I would put another picture but it would only be wasting your time.
Mobisode Rating: 0/5 - 0? Possibly a first.
Epi/Mobi-sode References.
-Rescue? ...Maybe: Through the Looking Glass -Claire may give birth on the island: Do No Harm -Preggers dying on the island: One of Us -Ethan sporting his trusty University of Wisconsin sweatshirt: Exposé
Next Week - Episode M11 - ...Title hasn't been announced yet.
I have so many great Battlefield II moments. Namely on the epic Point of Existence II mod - which boasted more squad-orientated combat and delivered successfully. From running through lush forests with my mates - screaming into comms. and dodging bullets from a nearby ambush, to defending sole houses from tank attacks by firing down on them from three stories up; I have so many great memories.
However, my most epic moment has to be playing the vanilla game. The map? Wake Island 2007. I was, for once, playing as the Chinese forces and we were losing out, big time, to the invading Marines. They had just captured our airbase and were moving to annihilate our last checkpoint on the beach. I was part of a leading group who weren't whining in team chat how much we'd lost. In a staggered formation, my squad was making their way back up to launch a counter attack on the recently-lost runway. Our leader was driving a tank up the dirt path, and the rest of us provided cover from within the trees.
I'd always carried the motto (as posted on another thread): "I mean, you might have 'leet sniping skills' and the bunny hopping abilities of a cat with a jetpack; but I have a fucking rocket." I always played as either assault or anti-tank on BF2, and definitely the latter when attacking heavily-defended positions. As was the case in this scenario, as we stormed onwards, D-Day style, towards the onslaught of the enemy.
We were making good progress; We had a terrific commander who provided us with supplies and covering artillery fire on request and, although we did take a few causalities en route, we had killed more of them than they had of us. Then, my moment of glory came:
The sound of a helicopter filled the air. The bastards had now taken to using what should have been our transportation against us. On top of that - it was a gunship, raining fire down from the skies with all the piloting skills of a badly trained monkey. Still, it was enough to be a direct threat to our attack, and blow us back to a good ten minutes ago.
Now, I'd won a few medals for anti-aircraft achievements in the past. But that had been using specifically-designed vehicles with advanced targeting systems on wider maps. We had none of that right then. But if none of our lot did anything; our tank would be gone and all chances of winning would be taken with it.
I knew what I had to do.
As the n00bcopter made another low pass over the trees above us, I aimed wildly upwards, and took a deep breath. As soon as the great, black belly of the flying prey came into view, I fired.
My rocket made contact perfectly on the tail section.
The beast went down like Flight 815.
Cheers echoed throughout communications. A distinct "GOOD 'UN MEL!" filled my ears, a congratulations from our tank-driving teammates.
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It's all there to be bought, so, you know, buy it!
If you are wondering why my name isnt in usual bold-italics it's because I'm posting this from my Wii.
And to every nintendo fan-boy out there going "Narg, you could of got it another cheaper way" then stfu. I used the Wii star converter to pay the internet channel.
Right the point of this post is to review the internet channel and thats exactly how it is going to stay. The internet channel costs 500 wii points, which is about £3.70 in pounds sterling or 2000 wii stars. The basic usage of the channel is very intuitive, the only major problem being tying. In tying the process is very slow and easy to get wrong due to wii remotes different nature, something I think could be solved allowing usage of the nunchuk extension. "But Dee you can plug in a keyboard if you want" True but I don't a spare keyboard hanging about.
Now the look of the webpages are slightly less defined then its computer counterpart, but that should be expected as my TV screen is about three times as big as a conventional computer screen (and about times as big at the back. You see it's an original widescreen tv, not one of these '80inch but only 10mm back' TVs.) Either way viewing of the websites is not ruined. Same goes for video, I thought I'd be long gone before ever seeing YouTube on my TV.
All in all the wii internet channel is a great addition to any wii as it allows me to blog from my sofa albeit in a more time consuming fashion.
So I'm taking a quick break from LOST episode commentaries to tell you all about an estranged little game I encountered this afternoon.
I admit it. Browser-based gaming has never really appealed to me. The nearest I ever came to really indulging into such forgotten - and nowadays somewhat taboo - art was my Neopets days when I was like, ten. With the rise of wider accessibility, lower playing costs and healthy competition of the 'real' MMORPG market (games ranging from World of Warcraft, to Guild Wars, to Lineage II), the playerbase for the more traditional, solely semi-interactive online role-playing has declined dramatically within the past decade or so. Which is why, when a true, well-oiled MMORPG machine becomes available, it really does shine clearly above the rest. Especially when it is as polished as this one.
Fallen Sword, surprise-surprise, is a cliché, medieval fantasy-based game in which you roam around such creative locations as mountains with hostile natives and caves full of trolls. Alright, so it isn't the most original thing out there. But so what? Where Fallen Sword fails to shine in regards to definite, elaborate backstory and innovation, it picks up points in other, more openly advertised, prominent categories. The gaming interface, for a start, is exceedingly simple. You can slip right into killing rats (or whatever else) literally within a minute of signing up. The controls are easy to adapt to, and are hardly rocket science to work with onwards. Truly how a browser game should work. Unlike many of it's worse brethren, Fallen Sword allows a player to switch from managing their character profile to fighting with a click of a button. In regards to the aforementioned: Customisation of your respective alter-ego is, as expected, very limited at first but expands to almost infinite possibilities as you progress. Battles are automated, but control over them is not restrictive. With both examples, a tasteful balance has been set by the designers of the game; and it works superbly.
As probably predicted, however, where Fallen Sword really shines, is in its community. Hardly a typical one-hundred hardcore players, it claims to reach into the millions. Such participation by the people is even evident from the very first page after log on: Updates, to the day, on the movement of guilds and merchants alike around the world. As is with the rest of the game; the information is widespread, descriptive but yet, not overwhelming. It really can be as pressuring or causal as you wish it to be. Heck, some people may not even ever wish to take part in the large-scale events or any other pushes for uniqueness that Fallen Sword does boast about. Of course this hardly makes the experience less enjoyable - but rather highlights the grand flexibility which the game offers.
A return to the days of old school MMORPGs, but with new players.
Basically I wasn't going to do another "of Year 2007" but I was inspired to do so after seeing Digital Spy's Top 20 shows of 2007. I won't be doing 20 shows (There was 20 different decent shows in 2007?) and I guess from the list Digital Spy did, that it is only about dramas worldwide... but mine will probably be all from the USA. What can I say? Doctor Who sucks and, as much as ITV plug it, Primeval is crap. Before we start... any guesses on number 1?
And I wont put any Youtube video in this one as it will all be copyright infringement.
5) Heroes Quite good, if not Lost-esque, during the beginning of Season 1, then declined. Then got better towards the end of the Season, then declined. Then Season 2 began in a decline and never got out. It's not looking good that the fifth best drama of the year is not "that" good.
4) Skins The only UK (And non-USA for that matter) in the top 5. E4 hit the nail on the head with a drama aimed at teenagers without being overly patronising like Hollyoaks or too aware of target audience like Nearly Famous. The characters were lovable (except for Jal... I think it's been a while since it's been on. The saxophone phone girl.) and they weren't TOO angsty like Nearly Famous: "Doing something with my life matters to me." So? I don't care!
3) Avatar: The Last Airbender It's well known my love for this show. I did begin doing reviews for them but due to unforeseen consequences I had to stop them. (Blame Nick UK putting the episodes on at 10:00am on a Saturday. That's Sleep or Caroline Flack TMi time.) Its the best cartoon of 2007 and it's the best cartoon drama ever. The only major problem is that it has a few too many filler episodes, but who cares it's better than Heroes.
2) Dexter Best new show of 2007... well it was 2007 when it was shown in the UK I assume it was in the USA too. Of 2007 it was one of only a few which kept my attention, unlike the Riches and Shark. But that doesn't matter as it's great either way. Micheal C. Hall does wonders playing the wonderfully written Dexter Morgan. And it selection of supporting characters is unparalleled. Masuka, Doakes, Angel and Harry Morgan to name a few. Either way I am psyced up for season 2.
1) Lost Yeah, OK, it was obivous, but had it been of last year 2006 then it would of been second to Dexter. But the final 16 episode run of Lost was just too amazing for words. To prove me "Too amazing for words" I will end this section here.
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Arabic
Japanese
Korean
Chinese
Russian
However, my most epic moment has to be playing the vanilla game. The map? Wake Island 2007. I was, for once, playing as the Chinese forces and we were losing out, big time, to the invading Marines. They had just captured our airbase and were moving to annihilate our last checkpoint on the beach. I was part of a leading group who weren't whining in team chat how much we'd lost. In a staggered formation, my squad was making their way back up to launch a counter attack on the recently-lost runway. Our leader was driving a tank up the dirt path, and the rest of us provided cover from within the trees.
I'd always carried the motto (as posted on another thread): "I mean, you might have 'leet sniping skills' and the bunny hopping abilities of a cat with a jetpack; but I have a fucking rocket." I always played as either assault or anti-tank on BF2, and definitely the latter when attacking heavily-defended positions. As was the case in this scenario, as we stormed onwards, D-Day style, towards the onslaught of the enemy.
We were making good progress; We had a terrific commander who provided us with supplies and covering artillery fire on request and, although we did take a few causalities en route, we had killed more of them than they had of us. Then, my moment of glory came:
The sound of a helicopter filled the air. The bastards had now taken to using what should have been our transportation against us. On top of that - it was a gunship, raining fire down from the skies with all the piloting skills of a badly trained monkey. Still, it was enough to be a direct threat to our attack, and blow us back to a good ten minutes ago.
Now, I'd won a few medals for anti-aircraft achievements in the past. But that had been using specifically-designed vehicles with advanced targeting systems on wider maps. We had none of that right then. But if none of our lot did anything; our tank would be gone and all chances of winning would be taken with it.
I knew what I had to do.
As the n00bcopter made another low pass over the trees above us, I aimed wildly upwards, and took a deep breath. As soon as the great, black belly of the flying prey came into view, I fired.
My rocket made contact perfectly on the tail section.
The beast went down like Flight 815.
Cheers echoed throughout communications. A distinct "GOOD 'UN MEL!" filled my ears, a congratulations from our tank-driving teammates.
Pity we still lost the round.